...to purchase online. I'm sure there are some on eBay and probably even on Etsy. However, I've never covered my machines unless they came with the hard case and I was transporting them. So I was wondering how many sewists do or don't cover their machines?
Also, why? Do the machines really get that much dust inside them if they aren't covered? In all the pretty pictures of sewing rooms on Pinterest and the internet, the machines are uncovered. So do you or don't you cover your sewing machine? That's my question of the day, so talk back to me okay. I'm very interested in hearing what you have to say!
...as always more later!
I do cover my machine, because one time something fell off a shelf and hit my machine and broke off the spool spindle. So my machine at the moment has a hard cover, and I feel like it is an extra layer of protection for it. Also if it stays covered my cats stay out of trouble with it.
ReplyDeleteI don't cover it if I know I'll get back to it within a few days. I like my hard cover, though I sewed a little fabric cover for my last machine. It was more an aesthetic thing, though it did have little pockets to keep organized.
ReplyDeleteI cover my machines whenever I am not using them for 24+ hours. In LA, salt air. In CO, the dust, pollen and white minerals from my ever-running humidifier. I sewed my own cloth covers from cheerful quilting cottons.
ReplyDeleteYou can see the cover on my serger here: http://badmomgoodmom.blogspot.com/2016/01/visual-pun-apron.html
The sewing machine has a reversible cover and one side matches the pink serger cover.
I don't but really should. The repairman at the Bernina dealer suggests covering it with a towel to help combat rust and from excess dust accumulation. It's not the prettiest, but it's the easiest.
ReplyDeleteNow that I have a dedicated table and never have to put my machine away, I never cover it. One less thing to get out of the way!
ReplyDeleteI cover my machine with the hard cover that it came with. We have a cat and I don't want dust and cat hair getting in my machine. Also, I don't want my cat to play with the spool of thread when I am not there. Also, if I didn't put my cover on the machine, I would have to get rid of the cover, or find another place to store the cover. When I keep the cover on the machine, it doesn't take up any extra space.
ReplyDeleteMy cat has started to get into the thread when I'm not home. The house was covered in thread a couple days ago and I'm worried he's going to choke himself, so they've been getting covered lately.
ReplyDeleteI cover my machines cause I have to put them away and it keeps them safe on the shelf.
ReplyDeleteI didn't used to cover my machines until I spent a ton getting one cleaned and tuned up, and the tech CAME OUT to scold me about the dust. And I used it all the time. So now machine and serger get covered, and the others stay in their cases or in zipped up covers with silica gel.
ReplyDeleteNow that I'm back sewing in the basement, the added moisture control/rust concerns are a huge motivator as well.
I made a print on Spoonflower for the covers (something referencing power tools), and while it was not cheap to print them up, it amuses me enough that I actually use them. I have too much money tied up in them not to.
I cover when not in use for a day or so - and always when I go away. I usually use the machines everyday, then I don't cover.
ReplyDeleteI have three sewing machines and two overlockers/sergers out at all times and have never covered them except in transport. Why would you?
ReplyDeleteI keep my machine uncovered in my sewing room since I sew nearly every day. I do cover it when I go away on vacation.
ReplyDeleteI keep my serger covered all the time. My sewing machine resides in a cabinet so I cover it with some leftover fabric when I leave it out. - Rebecca
ReplyDeleteAs I don't have a dedicated sewing space the machines with hard cases always get stored in them for space reasons. The old machine didn't get covered, but I started covering the new machine as it came with a fabric cover as it keeps the bits organized.
ReplyDeleteI don't but if I were a less frequent user, I would. Humidity isn't a problem here but it keeps the dust out. As it is though I generate a lot more fluff from the sewing than the sitting. ;)
ReplyDeleteI cover mine... I have machines that came with both hard and soft covers. My machines are out on a long table right under 3 windows so I get a lot of dust every day. I don't have time to make fancy covers so if it isn't the plastic one I just throw some fabric over them.
ReplyDeleteI cover mine! I made a hexi-patchwork cover for it last year. I keep my machine in the lounge so having a cover for it makes it less obvious and more tidy :) https://sewsensational.wordpress.com/2015/08/09/hexie-sewing-machine-cover/
ReplyDeleteMy machines and sewing space are in my dining room so when not in use I cover my entire work table that is up against one wall. With forced air heating in the winter and AC in the summer there is always a breeze stirring the dust around. Of course I could vacuum and clean more but where's the fun in that....lol.
ReplyDeleteMy sewing machines are covered by their respective cases and the one I use often only has the cover replaced if we go away or I will not be using it for 48 hrs. Now my poor serger didn't have a cover and it never got one, but my new Juki has a cover I made in a class learning all the functions it could do.
ReplyDeleteMy sewing machines come with a plastic hard cover and I only use it on the back-up sewing machine. The one that is on my table is covered with a towel/cloth to keep the dust off when it is sitting on the table not used for a few days. The serger did not come with a hard cover, it came with a flimsy plastic cover but I find it more of a pain to lower the thread carriers and then cover it because my threads usually come loose when I try to raise it (yea, I'm lazy).
ReplyDeleteI made a cover for my machine when I first started sewing, and my overlocker and coverstitch came with plastic covers. The only time I ever cover them, though, is when I have tidied up the sewing room and either want to take a picture or are going out of town for a while. As my sewing cave is rarely clean, they've probably been covered like four times total, ha.
ReplyDeleteI keep my machines covered with the plastic cover that came with the machines. I only use the hard cover for transportation.
ReplyDeleteI made a quilted cover for the machine that is currently in my table. My embroidery machine is currently in its carrying case with the hard cover. My serger just has the plastic cover on it. My house is very dusty so they have to stay covered.
ReplyDeleteI only cover when I'm going to be away for several days. I need to cover everyday now because my cat has suddenly developed an interest in my sewing table. I don't want fur in my machines.
ReplyDeleteYes, even if I am only leaving to go press seams. It's a good habit to get into -- much as one gives turn signals even when there's no other car around you -- so that when you need to do the task, you do it automatically, every time.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I have a cat, and its hair goes E V E R Y W H E R E. And it likes to nap beside the machine as I sew ... the cat is less help to me than it imagines itself to be. Hair is just as bad as lint and thread snarls for the motor.
My two main machines (serger and all purpose) are almost always uncovered. I sew in a small office on the main floor. While I do have cats, they aren't allowed in there when I'm not there and (mostly) aren't allowed on my works surfaces. My embroidery machine (which sees far less use than it should) has a towel draped over it to keep some of the dust out. I should make a better cover for it since it doesn't see as much use but there's so many other things to sew! I fairly regularly take a can of air to the most-used machines and oil as necessary.
ReplyDeleteI cover my machines, but only because I have cats. I can't keep them out of my sewing room and the cats will rub up against the machines and chew on the thread. If I didn't have cats, I wouldn't bother covering them.
ReplyDeleteCover? What cover? Yes, all my machines have covers but I only use them for transport and storage. I dust my usual one when I dust the studio, which is often since I make messes regularly. I want to be able to sit down and sew without any fuss or break in what I'm planning.
ReplyDeleteI don't cover my sewing machine but I do put the light plastic cover on my serger when I won't be using it for a few days. My sewing machine has a lid that covers the top so dust doesn't get in there, and my sewing room has hard (laminate wood) floor so it isn't really dusty in there anyway.
ReplyDeleteThe last place we were in was much dustier than any place I've EVER lived. And I covered my machines daily after seeing a even coat of dust after not sewing for a few days.
ReplyDeleteI made covers for mine, but not with a pattern...just measured out rectangles and sewed them together :)
Honestly part of the reason I cover them is because the covers I made coordinate with each other and they are cute and that's good enough for me :)
In the new place I haven't used the covers. But that's partly because prom dress sewing happens in spurts.
The machine in front of the window gets covered as does the topstitching machine. The serger doesn't normally get covered. My regular normally does not get covered but I cover it when the sewing room is being used as the guest room. The featherweight lives in its case in the dining room and the little Brother lives in a corner in the living room under a cover. We live in a very dusty area so covering makes sense and I dust frequently. But no, I don't make pretty covers. An old towel will do.
ReplyDeleteTheresa in Tucson
The machines I use are not covered but I do dust and clean them as per what I was taught on a regular basis. I live where it is dusty. The machines I don't use are in their cases to keep them clean and they are easier to store that way.
ReplyDeleteI have a cat who has never looked at the sewing machine. He use to like to play with empty spools of thread I gave him. My thread is out of sight so he doesn't look for it. His favourite thing is to lay on the cutting table on top of the fabric. He never wrecks it with his claws. He just plops down on it for a nap.
Since I don't have a whole room dedicated to sewing, I do cover my machines when I'm not using them. Right now my sewing days are limited to Fri-Sun. So Mon-Thurs the dust is kept out and the room is kept tidy for other uses. The cover also keeps small fingers away from sharp and moving parts.
ReplyDeleteA sewing machine repair person once told me that dust accumulation is the top reason machines start malfunctioning and require repair. I've covered ever since.
ReplyDeleteCovers?????? that's familiar...mmmm..lol....I use a scrap of fabric and/or any mending that I have to cover my machine that I use infrequently. The other hordes some are covered with hard cases and some are on shelves uncovered. Too wordy of a response, I know. I'm not a accomplished sewists as you are and others. I admire everyone's dedication to their craft. I only dream through you. Did I make sense?
ReplyDeleteSadly, I do not....I know you should because I do notice the difference when I do. They get in the way then I move them to someplace other than where my machine is....it's...it's a hassle that's what it is.... for some odd reason, I feel like you just slapped my hand. I promise I will do better!
ReplyDeleteYep. I do. I sew everyday, but do two things at the end of each day's sewing....cover my machine and unplug my iron.
ReplyDeleteI figure, and you are right they do seem to collect some dust inside no matter what, that covering my machine is helpful. I make covers for my machines rather than use their "came with" shells. I also clean my machine regularly...to get at the lint bunnies before they can become issues. I really love my current machines and just want to care for the, as as I can.
Also I am a newer subscriber to your blog...thanks for the excellent content!
I cover when I know I won't be using them for more than two days! I have the cover that came with my Bernina and I made a cover for my serger.
ReplyDeleteI cover mine because of dust, and because the pockets are handy for keeping my most frequently used tools near the machine (hello, seam ripper).
ReplyDeleteCovering them is part of my nightly ritual of putting my sewing room to bed :-). (Lights off, power off, etc )
ReplyDeleteI cover all of my machines that came with covers. That means 4 out of 5 are always covered. The one that isn't is my main machine and it's plastic cover was missing when it was gifted to me. I have plans to make a cover for it in the future though
ReplyDeleteI made some cute matching covers for all my machines. I have a Serger, a Quilter, and Embroidery, and a regular sewing maching. I have to admit, the regular sewing machine rarely gets covered. The others I cover because I wanted them to look cute. I don't know if it helps with the dust or not.
ReplyDeleteI had some wonderful Bali Batik fabric that I adored. Couldn't bear to cut it. Then, the light went off, and I used it to make a sewing machine cover and a pincushion with the scraps. Now I get to look at it every time I'm in my studio. And frequently I even cover my machine with it. There is not a lot of dust in my studio, but I sometimes don't get in there for a couple weeks (gasp!) and it's probably good to prevent dust accumulation. That said, I need to probably cover my serger and coverstitch machines. Inconsistency is my middle name. :)
ReplyDeleteI sew regularly, and clean my machine like I should, so no, I don't cover my sewing machine when I'm home. When I go on vacation, I do cover it.
ReplyDeleteMy machine is next to a window, and I make sure to close the drapes before I leave the room. I don't want the sun to damage my sewing machine, or the screen.
It also has a lid that closes after it is threaded, and that is kept down all the time.
I keep the lid over the thread spool closed and I do put a towel over the machine when not in use on the advice of the repairman at the local Bernina dealer. I never use the hard cover unless it is being transported for cleaning or repair. I always say I am going to make pretty, coordinated covers for my sewing machine and serger, as well as my papercrafting machines, but have yet to get around to it. If I could find a lovely gold and ivory fabric in the pattern Anna Griffin uses on her cardmaking kit boxes, I would probably get busy sewing the covers.
ReplyDeleteI bought a sort of travel case type cover for mine. I only use it when I need to move my machine from the desk spot I sew in to do other crafting. This way, in the event the other crafting (beading, scrapbooking, etc) takes hold for more than a day or two, my Maggy (Janome Magnolia) is safe and protected.
ReplyDeleteI have 5 machines, counting the overlocker. I cover the overlocker (plastic cover) I cover the Pfaff Select as I don't use often and I cover my little Bernina (the summer machine). The other two I use all the time so they stay uncovered. One uses oil so sometimes I worry I am letting it dry out, especially when I only remember to oil occasionally.
ReplyDeleteI did buy a pattern to make machine covers but finished up giving it away, too boring for me and I can't wear what I make.
I make covers for my machines. It help keep the dust out and looks so much better than a hard cover or a piece of plastic. I like to make my sewing friends covers for their machine to match their decor. I have many different patterns change of seasons deserve a new cover. I just light sewing them, they are easy and fun
ReplyDeleteI have 6 sewing machines and a serger. One machine is in a cabinet so when I'm not using it, the cabinet is closed up. The other machines have covers that I've made. When I'm using a machine I don't cover it, but I keep the ones not in use covered up.
ReplyDeletePS-I love all the comments about keeping your cat away from your machine and spools of thread. I used to have a cat but he left the machine and thread alone. His favorites things in the sewing room where (1) to dump the trash can over and spread the contents around the room and (2) chew pattern pieces. He left the pattern envelope and instructions alone, but he loved to chew the pattern tissue!
ReplyDeleteI have a large sewing studio and always have kept my machines covered when not being used.A few years ago I decided my studio needed some color so I made bright colored decorative quilted covers for all my machines and had my husband install hooks under the counter where each is located for hanging the cover out of the way when I'm using my machines
ReplyDeleteI have made covers for my machines too. It uses up pieces of fabric that I just could not throw away and gives a nice look to my sewing room which is viewable by visitors. I didn't use a pattern but made it up as I went along. I still need to do one for my serger which doesn't get much use.
ReplyDeleteI don't cover my machines but probably should. We live in a very windy dusty area and it does get into the house. Sand and electronics do not play well together.
ReplyDeleteI normally don't cover my machines except when transporting. Call me lazy but when I am ready to sew, I just sit down, turn the machine, serger and coverstitch machine on and sew. I try to dust my machines after each use.
ReplyDeleteHi, first time Commenter here, but I have been lurking around for a bit. So Yes, I do cover my machine religiously because I live in a very dry dusty environment. Lord knows what would happen to machine if I left exposed for long.
ReplyDeleteKayKay - thanks for leaving a comment and thanks for coming back to read my ramblings!
DeleteI don't cover at all. I think sewing produces a lot more thread dust than the wee bit of room dust it might be exposed to while sitting idle.
ReplyDeleteI cover my overlock machine because my cats seem to think it's a lot of fun to play with all the threads. They don't seem to be anywhere near as interested in the sewing machine thread. If I'm going to be away from it for more than a few days I will cover them both though.
ReplyDeleteI cover my machines in matching covers. It helps my sewing studio feel less cluttered.
ReplyDeleteI cover my sewing machine. It's in the same room as the fire, with lots of dust creation.
ReplyDeleteI have 2 kenmores and a singer serger. I keep them all on an old mid 1950s kitchen table in a bedroom that was my son's room. I don't cover but I feel like I should. It's dusty here.
ReplyDeleteMy elderly cat leaves the machines alone mostly, but she will go in the room and takes naps there.
In thinking about this topic, it occurs to me I also have my moms old 1940's singer in there, in it's cabinet, or table. That was the machine she taught me to sew on, and because it's in a table she never covered it. I wonder if that's why some of us don't cover our modern carry anywhere table top machines. Many of us were taught on these (wonderful) machines that once folded up and out of sight, you would not cover. Hmm.
I do dust, brush and oil my machines.
Great post. I have 7 machines out & used to cover them, but found it a hassle. So yeah... I don't cover them. However in my old sewing room 2 of them were near a window & only covered those. Like someone else said sewing produces more dust bunnies than having it just out on a table.
ReplyDeleteNever cover mine unless traveling and it needs its case. The fabric covers are cute but totally not my aesthetic. They are a bit too fussy for my tastes. Besides, my machines go hours without moving and I am anal about cleaning them and keeping them dust free. My studio is right near the wood stove so it is very dry around here as well.
ReplyDeleteI do cover my machines and with a grandson that is now two and exploring everything, I am thinking that I need to put chain link fencing around them for protection too!!! Ha!!!
ReplyDeleteNo I don't cover my machines. It doesn't seem to hurt anything.
ReplyDeleteI do cover my machines; I can't risk my son getting his hands on them! It's safer when children are around, IMO
ReplyDeleteI always cover my machines. On Friday night I line up what I want to sew on (fashion sewing on the weekends, quilts during the week) and put away what won't be worked on during that sewing session. I feel like it makes the room look more organized.
ReplyDeleteI do a little of both. I keep my coverstitch machine covered when not in use. My sewing machines and serger aren't usually covered, but are when I am away. I use an old pillow case for the serger and the factory covers for the two machines. Having read some of the comments, maybe I should cover more often.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn, could you send me your email address fayedoll(at)cox (dot)net?
ReplyDeleteI always keep my machines covered. I constantly dust my apartment, but there's always more dust, so I definitely don't want that getting on/in my machines. I just cover them with a couple of lightweight scarves- they're much prettier than plastic or vinyl covers!
ReplyDeleteI cover my machines with towels. I should try making some covers they would look so much nicer.
ReplyDeleteThat's funny. I always cover mine and I've never given it any thought. It's just something I do as part of finishing up a project or a sewing session. Like turning off and unplugging the iron. I have a soft fabric cover for my sewing machine; I made it at one of my machine dealer's classes. The serger is covered with the plastic cover that came with it, mostly because I haven't taken the time to make a fabric cover. One day, I'll have matching covers.
ReplyDeleteI do cover!!! Currently I am using the plastic one's the came with the machines - SO UNFASHIONABLE :( I am searching for some fabric to make a FASHIONABLE set ... FIESTA :).
ReplyDeleteI cover mine with a leather one that came with my machine (Bernette 55) because I have cats. Not only am I trying to keep litter dust and cat hair out of the machine, I'm also trying to keep the cats from playing with the thread. Years ago a cat knocked some thread on the floor, and when I came out to the kitchen to get breakfast I had to cut my way through a spiderweb of thread that was tangled around the chairs, the table legs, and the living room sofa legs as the cat had played with the spool.
ReplyDeleteSo...here's the thing...I used to KEEP my machines covered all of the time. Virginia did the same. She even made a few sewing machine covers. However, lately I've been going back and forth. Covered for periods of time...not covered...covered...you get the picture. Lately I'v been thinking that I will go back to covering all the time since it can get a little dusty in the basement. I do have covers for all of them with the exception of one serger.
ReplyDeleteHey Carolyn
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! It's so creative and it gives me inspiration to start new projects! I own Sewing Garden which sells Favorite Things pattern designs. After reading your blog and enjoying it thoroughly, I would love to offer you a complimentary pattern of your choice! If you desire to do so, please message me back! My Instagram is @sewinggarden where you can view the patterns and message me with your choice. Thank you for your time and have a wonderful evening.
-Susan McKenzie